Pryor Field Regional Airport (KDCU) in Tanner, Alabama, has allocated nearly 85 acres of existing airport property for a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operation and announced plans for further development. 

During a recent meeting, the airport authority board approved a 25-year lease with a 10-year option for Huntsville, Alabama distribution, logistics, and services company Acquisition Integration (AI) to build an MRO at KDCU. AI intends to invest $30 million and create 250 jobs through its four-phase plan at the airport. The project includes the building of 170,000 sq ft of hangar and office space that Airport Manager Adam Fox told AIN would "cater to business aviation and possibly the military/Department of Defense." He added that he believes the MRO will also be large enough to accommodate a paint line for large business jets.

"This is the first piece to fall with several other developments on the horizon for [KDCU]," said Fox. “With the growth in North Alabama, many companies are turning their eyes to Pryor Field. [It] is a hidden gem that is full of potential,” he said. 

Airport engineer and planning consultant Goodwyn Mills Cawood worked with the airport authority to develop a master plan, which provided a design to separate corporate/transient and cargo operations from general aviation operations, allowing the allocation of airport property for MRO and future developments designated for long-term ground lease opportunities.

The airport is also working to secure a grant for a taxiway project, as well as funding for other projects identified through the development of the airport’s master plan.